Detectives searching for missing Burnley mother Katie Kenyon have shifted their investigation to a murder inquiry, believing the 33-year-old woman is no longer alive. The case, initially treated as a missing person report, is now a full homicide investigation.
A 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of Katie’s murder remains in police custody. Lancashire Police have applied to Burnley Magistrates Court to extend his detention until 9pm on Wednesday, April 27. Katie’s family has been informed of the developments and is receiving support from specially trained officers as the investigation continues.
Katie Kenyon was last seen at approximately 9.30am on Friday, April 22, leaving a property on Todmorden Road in Burnley. She got into a silver Ford Transit van with the registration MT57 FLC, accompanied by a man, heading towards Bolton by Bowland. She has not been seen since.
Police are urging anyone who was in Bolton by Bowland, Gisburn Forest, or surrounding areas on that day and may have seen Katie or the van to come forward. Dashcam footage from those areas could be crucial to the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Gary Brooks, head of Lancashire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said, “While I hold some slim hope that Katie may still be found alive, sadly she has now been missing for over four days. Despite extensive inquiries and media appeals, there have been no sightings. Katie’s family are understandably devastated, and officers are continuing to support them.”
He added, “I thank the public for their help so far and urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to get in touch. We have a suspect in custody but our work continues.”
“Search teams from Lancashire, Merseyside, North Wales, and Greater Manchester Police, supported by dogs, a plane, and specialist equipment, are combing the vast, remote areas including Gisburn Forest. I advise the public not to join the search. The terrain is rough with no phone signal. Our police professionals are trained for this work, and we don’t want anyone getting lost or harmed.”
The search operation is now in full swing, with over 60 trained officers involved, supported by specialist dogs and aerial surveillance. The Salvation Army has established a feeding station to support the search teams.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 800 of April 24, or visit the Major Incident Public Portal. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Katie Kenyon is described as a white woman, 33 years old, approximately five feet nine inches tall, with shoulder-length strawberry blond hair highlighted with ginger tones. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt or jacket, a white vest top, black leggings, and flip flops.
Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation progresses.
Originally published by UKNIP.
